PT92
Member
Many have already made some great choices as there are tons of 'subjective' correct answers. However, I think the S&W Sigma for $289 OTD is really hard to beat for CCW/HD purposes.
-Cheers
-Cheers
best 9mm? for the price?
- Thread starter indyandy
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Go to a BIGGGGG gun store. Where they have LOTTTs of guns. Then handle them. See what feels good. Whittle down the choices a bit. Then do some research as to reliability, maintenence requirements, concealability, ammo, holsters, anything you can think of. Make you choice accordingly. But start out by what feels good in your hand. You can't make this decision by listening to a bunch of us tell you about our favorite guns.
Strykervet
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- Nov 16, 2010
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- 1,610
Try to find a slightly used 3rd gen. Glock 17L, 34, 17 or 19, whichever you feel fits you the best. Then get a set of Trijicon night sights or Truglo if you want adjustable. Get an extra mag or two (and collect these later on). This should keep you right at your $500 price if you are thrifty and patient. My wife carries a 17, a 2nd gen, and it is a great piece. My 17L is one of my favorite range pistols and my favorite 9mm. The Glock is the best all around 9mm at that price point I think. But only the 2 or 3 gen.
The Beretta is a nice pistol, but stay away from the Vertec unless you have tiny hands or KNOW you can fire it comfortably. I got one to find out I couldn't really fire it in DA! The Sig is a very nice pistol and in my opinion, the best choice if you really want a true DA or DA/SA pistol. Lots of good used ones going around right now, my local shop has a bunch with night sights for about $500 tax included, with night sights in the case. Trade ins.
The Smith and Wesson 3rd gen. pistols are GREAT pistols that have fallen out of mind and by the wayside. They dropped 'em so they could copy Glock because Glock was killing the police market in the late 80's and 90's. The pistol was well made, so well made they couldn't keep up with Glock and the price --Glock would literally give their pistols away to police departments if they'd buy mags, and they'd take their old Smith's in trade and sell those for profit! I think they'll pick up a collector value soon once they get "rediscovered". Anyway, all of the 3rd gen. Smith autos are great that I know of. The 10mm is the best 10mm you can get, I think. I really want one. You can probably get the 9mm ones right now with a bunch of mags AND a nice holster and still have money left over. Or with night sights and have the whole shebang. I saw them for $250 in Shotgun News. Like I said, I think these pistols will go up in value. They don't make 'em anymore.
Oh yeah, there is also the Browning Hi Power. The real Browning though, not the knock offs. Very nice pistol, single action, kind of like a 1911. It was one of his later 1930's designs. Could probably find a good used one in your price range, maybe even a new one if you got a base model.
Then there is the CZ75. That is another fine 9mm I almost forgot. I don't have one, but I'd like one. The CZ75 and the Glock 17, those are the two best 9mm's in my opinion, at that price. CZ's are just a good deal all around. Well made and accurate. Check out how the slide fits to the frame on this one.
Those are the good ones that I think of when you mention $500 9mm's. Find a local rental range and try some of them out. I also wouldn't be too afraid to try bigger calibres either. A good .40 or .45, a used Glock, Sig, or Smith, isn't going to be much, if at all, more than the 9mm. Or a .357 Sig or 10mm come to think of it.
Check Shotgun News for the latest bulk trade ins. Go check 'em out in you stores, try 'em at rental ranges, but order 'em if you have to to get the good prices. For some reason, stores around here generally sell used stuff at twice what I can order it for, so I just use 'em for transfers.
The Beretta is a nice pistol, but stay away from the Vertec unless you have tiny hands or KNOW you can fire it comfortably. I got one to find out I couldn't really fire it in DA! The Sig is a very nice pistol and in my opinion, the best choice if you really want a true DA or DA/SA pistol. Lots of good used ones going around right now, my local shop has a bunch with night sights for about $500 tax included, with night sights in the case. Trade ins.
The Smith and Wesson 3rd gen. pistols are GREAT pistols that have fallen out of mind and by the wayside. They dropped 'em so they could copy Glock because Glock was killing the police market in the late 80's and 90's. The pistol was well made, so well made they couldn't keep up with Glock and the price --Glock would literally give their pistols away to police departments if they'd buy mags, and they'd take their old Smith's in trade and sell those for profit! I think they'll pick up a collector value soon once they get "rediscovered". Anyway, all of the 3rd gen. Smith autos are great that I know of. The 10mm is the best 10mm you can get, I think. I really want one. You can probably get the 9mm ones right now with a bunch of mags AND a nice holster and still have money left over. Or with night sights and have the whole shebang. I saw them for $250 in Shotgun News. Like I said, I think these pistols will go up in value. They don't make 'em anymore.
Oh yeah, there is also the Browning Hi Power. The real Browning though, not the knock offs. Very nice pistol, single action, kind of like a 1911. It was one of his later 1930's designs. Could probably find a good used one in your price range, maybe even a new one if you got a base model.
Then there is the CZ75. That is another fine 9mm I almost forgot. I don't have one, but I'd like one. The CZ75 and the Glock 17, those are the two best 9mm's in my opinion, at that price. CZ's are just a good deal all around. Well made and accurate. Check out how the slide fits to the frame on this one.
Those are the good ones that I think of when you mention $500 9mm's. Find a local rental range and try some of them out. I also wouldn't be too afraid to try bigger calibres either. A good .40 or .45, a used Glock, Sig, or Smith, isn't going to be much, if at all, more than the 9mm. Or a .357 Sig or 10mm come to think of it.
Check Shotgun News for the latest bulk trade ins. Go check 'em out in you stores, try 'em at rental ranges, but order 'em if you have to to get the good prices. For some reason, stores around here generally sell used stuff at twice what I can order it for, so I just use 'em for transfers.
coinshooter
Member
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- Sep 13, 2005
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- 131
I took a real hard look at the ruger sr9 and for the money I but it in lawaway
exavid
Member
I have a Ruger SR9 and wouldn't part with it. I did to the Ghost Rocket trigger mod which cost an extra $30 for the kit, but that made a good gun a great one in my opinion. The fit in my hand and the pistol's good balance makes it my favorite of several 9mms I've owned. Until the SR came along my favorite was my old S&W39 but the Ruger is lighter and has that lovely 17 round magazine with a nice thin grip like my old Model 39. I consider it a great buy at the current going price.
MachIVshooter
Member
For some, $200 isn't "measly". Especially if you don't have it.
For me, why would I pay $600 for a factory test fired gun when I can buy one that's had a few more rounds through it for 1/3 less? It's not the same gamble as buying used electronics; you can physically inspect every part of the gun, and most from reputable makers will still have warranties honored for subsequent owners. Ruger, S&W, Kel-Tec (the three largest handgun manufacturers in the US) just take care of broken guns.
To each his own WRT new vs. used, but to belittle what is a lot of money for someone who had to scrimp and save to come up with what they have comes off as arrogant and naive; The words of someone who's never had to endure financial hardship.
Thanks for setting me straight MachIVshooter. I'm sure those looking at budget guns live life to the most frugal, otherwise my comments wouldn't be so incredibly offensive to you. I certainly hope no one that thinks $200 is a lot of money doesn't have cable tv, smoke, drink, eat fast food, maintain a cell phone, or otherwise choose anything over the most basic option for anything other than a neccesity. If spending an extra $200 is a hardship, perhaps you shouldn't be purchasing a luxury item, and a handgun is most certainly a luxury item....unluess you find an edible one. It may also be helpful to consider the chances of needing food, clothing, shelter vs. needing to defend yourself from baddies and zombies, if funds are truly that tight.'
I'm sure your conservative republican friends would feel differently.
BTW I'm just assuming your MachIV is chambered in an H&R Pardner topped off with a BSA.
I didn't know this was supposed to be a point of shame.
I'm sure your conservative republican friends would feel differently.
BTW I'm just assuming your MachIV is chambered in an H&R Pardner topped off with a BSA.
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bowserb
Member
There are a lot of recommendations here, from people who are honest and sincere and really trying to help. The best of the advice I see here is the 'rent and try', and ideally with a professional instructor to point out the features, strengths and weaknesses of each type.
Also--and here's the good part--if you read carefully, you noticed that many here have three or four guns or more. Well those people didn't get up one morning and say, "I think I'll go out and buy an interesting collection of handguns." No, they bought a first gun. Then later they decided they didn't like that one so much, or that they wanted to try something else. Maybe they decided they wanted a different caliber.
I've owned handguns, and had a Texas CHL, since just 2005. I currently own two. Neither of them was my first handgun...or my second handgun. My point is that my experience is probably typical, in that you'll likely switch or add within a year of the first handgun purchase--and that says to me, BUY A USED GUN. I would stick with a local established dealer for support, and for that next purchase or trade-in/purchase.
You may be unusual, and your first gun will be your last (if so, you should at least try a Glock 19, the best all-purpose HD, range, concealed carry gun around). However, your first gun may just be your first, so you minimize your cost of ownership buying used, at least for the first couple guns. Then later, when you are sure, you buy a new Springfield Armory XDm-45, and you become happy shooting all those big bullets, like any real Texan.
You're not from Texas? That's OK. Just get a .45 and say you are!
Also--and here's the good part--if you read carefully, you noticed that many here have three or four guns or more. Well those people didn't get up one morning and say, "I think I'll go out and buy an interesting collection of handguns." No, they bought a first gun. Then later they decided they didn't like that one so much, or that they wanted to try something else. Maybe they decided they wanted a different caliber.
I've owned handguns, and had a Texas CHL, since just 2005. I currently own two. Neither of them was my first handgun...or my second handgun. My point is that my experience is probably typical, in that you'll likely switch or add within a year of the first handgun purchase--and that says to me, BUY A USED GUN. I would stick with a local established dealer for support, and for that next purchase or trade-in/purchase.
You may be unusual, and your first gun will be your last (if so, you should at least try a Glock 19, the best all-purpose HD, range, concealed carry gun around). However, your first gun may just be your first, so you minimize your cost of ownership buying used, at least for the first couple guns. Then later, when you are sure, you buy a new Springfield Armory XDm-45, and you become happy shooting all those big bullets, like any real Texan.
You're not from Texas? That's OK. Just get a .45 and say you are!
MachIVshooter
Member
It's not a luxury item for the one they stake their defense on. Perhaps he/she can afford a $400 gun to defend the family and still put food on the table and clothes on the child, where a $600 is out of reach for some time.
It's not. But your apparent lack of compassion for those less financially flush is.
Nice try at an ad hominem attack there. Too bad it holds no water. And my friends know the value of a dollar earned, and don't scoff at those who can't afford the nicest of everything, regardless of their political affiliation.
You definitely make use of the first three letters in "assuming".
It's not a Mach IV, it's a .17 Rem (which actually hits Mach IV), and it's a 700 LVSF stainless with a Weaver V-16 UFCH. I also own a nice home on acreage, 8 vehicles and many firearms that exceed your $600 figure by more than a little. I didn't say I was hard-up; I just have more understanding for those who are because I am self made. I built my business from the ground up, had to earn everything I own.
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dsxdarkman
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- Joined
- Sep 29, 2011
- Messages
- 2
I can only give you the pistols below because these are the only 9mm that I am familiar with around your price range. All are very good choices
glock 19 or 17- some people don't like the trigger, but its preference (I luv it), glock parts are EVERYWHERE, so they are highly customizable
s&w M&p- better grip than a glock, nice trigger and nice looking pistol, nice big dot novak sights also, their customer service is top notch
CZ-75b or 85b- Best da/sa pistols in your price range to start with. Trigger might be a little heavy at first but once you shoot it, it gets a whole lot better. You can always send it to the custom cz shop and they can make it shoot a lot better
S&W 5906- nice guns as well, around the 300 dollar range if you look. You can find a lot of police trade-ins for cheap. Very solid all steel reliable gun. Buy two if you can!
Ruger sr9- very good polymer gun, probably one of the best pistols they have made to me. Accuracy is good, sights are ok, and try to find one with a trigger safety because there was a recall on the older models, but this still is a fantastic pistol. A-1 customer service
9mm 1911- There are a handful of 9mm 1911 out there but some in your price range would be the rock island armory or the Taurus 9mm. They are very good/affordable guns to have. A lot of people are intimidated by owning a 1911 for their first pistol but they are one of the best pistols with one of the best triggers ever made! They are extremely accurate at the range and they are a little hefty, but if its a range/HD gun that's what I would recommend.
glock 19 or 17- some people don't like the trigger, but its preference (I luv it), glock parts are EVERYWHERE, so they are highly customizable
s&w M&p- better grip than a glock, nice trigger and nice looking pistol, nice big dot novak sights also, their customer service is top notch
CZ-75b or 85b- Best da/sa pistols in your price range to start with. Trigger might be a little heavy at first but once you shoot it, it gets a whole lot better. You can always send it to the custom cz shop and they can make it shoot a lot better
S&W 5906- nice guns as well, around the 300 dollar range if you look. You can find a lot of police trade-ins for cheap. Very solid all steel reliable gun. Buy two if you can!
Ruger sr9- very good polymer gun, probably one of the best pistols they have made to me. Accuracy is good, sights are ok, and try to find one with a trigger safety because there was a recall on the older models, but this still is a fantastic pistol. A-1 customer service
9mm 1911- There are a handful of 9mm 1911 out there but some in your price range would be the rock island armory or the Taurus 9mm. They are very good/affordable guns to have. A lot of people are intimidated by owning a 1911 for their first pistol but they are one of the best pistols with one of the best triggers ever made! They are extremely accurate at the range and they are a little hefty, but if its a range/HD gun that's what I would recommend.
Well by golly, goodie on you. You should share some of that overflowing campassion with those unable to attain a $600 handgun.
At any rate, a handgun is a luxury item. There are plenty of other means of defense that cost much less than a semiauto handgun, that will deliver the required value. If you can't afford $600, you can't afford $400. If your life is hanging int he balance on 200 bucks, you had better re-think your priorites. again, odds of needing a handgun for self defense vs. odds of needing to eat and buy clothing.
I maintain the best handgun for the money is a Glock 17, CZ SP01, Beretta 92 FS, even the much loathed XD would suffice.. Rent or borrow examples of any you are interested in, see what you like for reasons you choose...and buy it.
I disagree on the first part totally. Unsupported recommendation without supporting it reasoning yes, but recommendations are good. If new you get familiar with what is out there and you see a consensus on which ones are the top ones.
Second I agree fully with. Here is how I would put it.
If you are in the market for a mid size hammer fired gun, I think the Sig SP2022 (aka Sig Pro) is by far the best overall gun you can guy (caveats to be include). I own on in 9mm and could not like it more (see note on grip)
It functions flawlessly with 3 different mfgs of ammo in various bullet weights, as well as maybe 6 different variations of bullet weights and powder in hand loads.
It handles very well and the de-cocker is a boon for those of us who grew up on 1911s and the finger between the hammer and the frame when you want to get it off Condition 1.
Its dammed accurate, also scarily accurate (factory Saber in 124 gr had me wondering if I was 24 years old again). I can shoot equally with the HK P30 which cost more than twice as much.
Its reasonably light weight, but its a lot more solid feeling than most poly guns.
The sights are great as they are well done for width (easy sight pickup) as well as wide rear for older eyes. It has a rail (standard not proprietary) for the laser I need for my eyes.
The price is extremely good in the sum $400 range to mid $400 with night sights (well under $400 with non night sights). The gun stacks up with guns costing twice as much (yes I have had a chance to fire an HK P30 and overall I would take the Sig (though if I could get an HK for 300 or so I would take it)
The trigger is very good for a poly gun with DA/SA, some excellent endorsements that it matches up with a Sig Stainless Steel Elite with the SRT (short reset trigger which is a factory upgrade offering). Bruce Gray carries it which while I am not big into celebrity endorsement, in his case it says a lot for what he does.
Grip Note: The grip is good, not as good as an HK which is as good as it gets, not as good as an FN which is in between, but the Sig grip is good. I was iffy on it until, I settled in on going ot he larger size that came with the gun and now its almost just right. I would like a bit more adjustment on the right side to fill that out.
However, seldom is something is perfect. I love the HK grip. I do not think the HK trigger is as good, I like good triggers and I do not like long reset.
The HK de-cocker is better (mayo perfect) as it does not get me messed up with the slide release (working on that) and its ergonomically in a better location. But its not a combat critical item and I do fine without it, I am happy to have the de-cocker.
HK I thost had the safety, while I liked the idea of a 1911 setup, I found I am very comfortably with the Sig in DA mode, I can cock it if I need to and have the time, or shoot DA action for the first shot (and practice that, you need to, the striker people are right, it can be starling on the change form DA to SA if you do not). The HK safety just gets in the way and the DA mode the Sig is carried in is safe (multiple safeties that will stop an accidental discharge).
Sig SP2022 is a fantastic gun at a really good price that stacks up exceptionally well with anything in the market, and personally I like the fact its made in the USA.
I disagree! It seems to me that when somebody recommends a specific gun it's because it has worked well for them.
Just because they did not choose to wright a long dissertation on it doesn't mean it's not a good recommendation.
Surely you don't thing a poster would recommend a pistol they have had problems with.
WinThePennant
Member
+1 SP2022.
Easily, the best $400 NEW gun value going. A Sig for only $400? GET OUTTA HERE!
Easily, the best $400 NEW gun value going. A Sig for only $400? GET OUTTA HERE!
easyg
Member
Best 9mm for the price?
The Ruger SR9c....
The Ruger SR9c....
Magwa45
Member
Back in the 90s, I picked up an Inglis Browning Hi-Power when they were being sold off by the Canadian military. It had an ugly black paint like finish and was pretty inexpensive. I sent it off to be parkerized and it is pretty nice. The Inglis Brownings were made in Canada during WWII after the Nazis took over Belgium. The manufacturing was moved to Canada for the war, while the Nazis made their own Brownings in the old factory. But I really like the Hi-Power, never did like the S&W design. Anyway, you might be able to pick up an old Hi-Power at a good price and clean it up. You can't beat a John M. Browning design!
kybandit
Member
Ruger SR9c..two guns in one: use the short mag for carry, the extended one for range work. Superior quality for a very reasonable price.
mkvtaco
Member
+2 Im getting a 2022 .40 on friday.+1 SP2022.
Easily, the best $400 NEW gun value going. A Sig for only $400? GET OUTTA HERE!
boomstik45
Member
MachIV shooter,
You're simply not going to be able to reason with a person who is so enamored with their own opinion that they believe it to be fact....
You're simply not going to be able to reason with a person who is so enamored with their own opinion that they believe it to be fact....
zxcvbob
Member
Has anyone mentioned off-brand Hi-Powers yet? I have an FM (Argentina) and love it. It's holding up well to a steady diet of +P ammo. I paid about $300 for it 5 years ago, and I think they are still selling for that.
CDNN has magazines for them pretty cheap. For extended mags, I like 20's better than 30's (30+ round magazines stick out too far) even though the 20 costs a little more.
CDNN has magazines for them pretty cheap. For extended mags, I like 20's better than 30's (30+ round magazines stick out too far) even though the 20 costs a little more.
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